RMS leaking for last 2 years

[PauliePL]

Hi all! this is my first post here

I am hesitating on buying a 1998 2.5 Boxster that had its RMS leaking for last 2 years. The owner said he didn't worry about the issue at all, he only topped up the oil. When I inspected the car it only showed a couple of drops on the very bottom part where the engine meets the tranny. The car is currently at 136 kkm (around 85 000 miles).

Would you buy a car that has been leaking for past two years?

[JFP in PA]

Only with expectations of changing out the clutch, and in particular, the flywheel built into the purchase price. Dual mass flywheels do not like having oil on them as it deteriorates the flexible material between the "masses". Often, leaking RMS will have more impact on the flywheel than on the clutch................

[DenverSteve]

I wouldn't worry about it. I (as above) would buy it at a price that reflected the need to fix it. I don't drive anything that leaks any amount of anything so it would be a first thing to do for me.

[PauliePL]

Thanks a lot, I have added flywheel to the upcoming list of possible expenses - so far it's the RMS, LN Engineering IMS Bearing, new clutch and a flywheel.

I've got two more questions - how hard is it to get the tranny out? I've seen some threads on it here, so with a DIY manual I could do it on my own, hmm ..

Is the IMS replacement provided by Porsche equally good as the LN's one?

[j.fro]

There are a couple of considerations for DIY RMS replacement. The biggest is the tool Porsche has developed to check for the crankshaft being off center. This is one that most DIYers can't afford, and if the crankshaft is out of center, replacing the RMS is a waste of time and money.
A second consideration is the Porsche tool for setting the RMS. This tool ensures that the new RMS is both at the proper depth and that it is square to the block all the way around.

Porsche and LN Engineering are treating the IMS in different ways. The LN bearing is a much better bearing, and it is designed to last forever. The Porsche replacement is about the same as the original. Looks like they are treating it as a "wear item" that should be replaced with each clutch replacement. UGH!!

[Steve Tinker]

Originally Posted by j.fro

Porsche and LN Engineering are treating the IMS in different ways. The LN bearing is a much better bearing, and it is designed to last forever. The Porsche replacement is about the same as the original. Looks like they are treating it as a "wear item" that should be replaced with each clutch replacement. UGH!!

In fact, LN Engineering recommend replacing their bearing every clutch change, as do the main IMS specialists in the UK (Hartech Eng & Autofarm).
Even if the LN ceramic balls are far superior in a minimum lubricated area, I guess nothing lasts forever.

[blinkwatt]

r.m.s. are a joke on M96 engines...my first Boxster had one replaced,leaked 15k later.

Last Boxster had 3,yes 3 replaced and if the car wasn't driven for a week it would start leaking. Not a lot but enough for me to be annoyed I paid to replace it over and over and time would always make them leak.

[j.fro]

When I replaced my clutch in February I decided not to touch the RMS or IMS. The RMS had a nice coat of velvet around it, but no dripping or visible wetness. As for the IMS, mileage was at 142,000, so I left that alone as well.

[PauliePL]

j.fro so your RMS was not leaking at 142k miles? gotta call Porsche and let them know of the good news! lol

Amazing, I thought all Boxster RMSs leaked.

[Perfectlap]

I did the RMS Cayenne upgrade but it wasn't leaking before then.

If the RMS is leaking on that 2.5 there's a possiblity that the new seal with leak as well.

I'm not sure I would consider a 2.5 even it weren't leaking. For a little bit more money you can get into the next engine regime (2.7) which addressed a lot 2.5 engine issues and added new upgrades. Either way budget $2K on swapping out the RMS and clutch. There's no such thing as a buying into Porsche on the cheap.
You'll just end up regretting not having gotten something better from the start.

[Perfectlap]

Originally Posted by j.fro

When I replaced my clutch in February I decided not to touch the RMS or IMS. The RMS had a nice coat of velvet around it, but no dripping or visible wetness. As for the IMS, mileage was at 142,000, so I left that alone as well.

I don't think this is an issue of how much mileage but the frequency of the driving.
If the car wasn't driven frequently but when it was driven it was taken on long trips you're still vulnerable to IMS failure. Or if the oil was changed at overly long intervals or in an inconsistent manner (regular intervals in the begining, less so later), or an inferior oil was used...all of these things could put you at risk.
Mileage by itself doesn't tell you the whole picture. One car with 142,000 miles may have been driven and cared fo in a completely different manner than another 142,000 mile car.

[spongebob]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

Only with expectations of changing out the clutch, and in particular, the flywheel built into the purchase price. Dual mass flywheels do not like having oil on them as it deteriorates the flexible material between the "masses". Often, leaking RMS will have more impact on the flywheel than on the clutch................

The Dual mass flywheel will probably not be damaged by oil as the "flexible material" is only some springs embedded in grease. I did take my old one apart and was amazed by the amount of grease that are inside and can move around messing with the balancing.
Not sure about the friction surface though how that can cope with oil for a long time but I guess that it will be thrown off before damaging